Exclusive Interview With RDB
By Hasan Faridi
RDB (“Rhythm Dhol Bass”) consists mainly of three brothers, Surj, Manj and Kully, hailing from the small city of Bradford in the UK. RDB are now known across the world, with a successful discography and even a clothing brand.
RDB came to Pakistan two years ago in 2010. Now they’ll be coming back to perform.
1) RDB started in the small city of Bradford, which has a highly populated Asian community. What was it like growing up there?
Bradford is a very multicultural city indeed with a large Asian community. Interacting with the local Asian communities provided a common thread between us all by way of culture and interests. It’s such a cosmopolitan city, very vibrant and energetic. Our experiences in our early life in Bradford cemented our interest and passion in music and this is reflective of our earlier recordings. Although Bradford may be a small city, it’s played a big part in our life. We are just three brothers from Bradford, but you fans make us RDB.
2) How did you get your musical influences? A lot of biographies suggest that you had early musical influences in your life…
Our biggest influence in music remains our father. We learnt from him the art of experimenting with sound and creating a sound that is so unique it touches a chord.
3) It’s fair to say, your music has reached beyond the UK, heck even the movie Singh is King was adored in Pakistan. How does it feel like?
To know we are loved by fans in Pakistan and that our music is appreciated is hugely humbling. Singh is King was one of our greatest achievements and was an amazing film to be a part of. RDB brought to the international stage the coming together of some of two of the world’s greatest entertainers, Akshay Kumar in the East and Snoop Dogg in the West. To have been part of that synergy was a great honour. At the end of the day, we love performing and entertaining our fans, being it UK, Canada or Pakistan we love every part of it and we feel privileged to know that our music is not just heard nationally but internationally too.
4) You’ve got unique a lot of achievements in your musical career. Your debut album went worldwide to be honest, and you’ve sold more than 100,000 CD’s across the world. How do you cope with the fame?
Fame comes with hard work, dedication and passion. Every day is a different day and we take each day it comes. One thing is for sure is that we don’t let the fame get to our head and it is only because of our supporters, well-wishers and fans worldwide that we are as an international music band are even successful so thank you all!
5) Your recent album “Worldwide”, what’s the message behind it?
Worldwide will feature collaborations from the East to the West with songs in English, Urdu, Hindi, but most of all Punjabi. The message behind “Worldwide” is to reach out with people from across the world using a variety of music genres and tracks to connect with the audience.
6) A new album from group member Nindy Kaur will be coming along soon too, do you think it will top the success of RDB’s previous singles and albums? I would assume that Nindy is doing very well for herself too…
Yes that’s correct. It’s untitled but her latest track form the film Save the World featuring Culture Shock released earlier this year and has been a huge hit with the audience. It was a real party anthem which got crowds onto the dance floor. Nindy and RDB together have been part of some of the biggest hits be it Aloo Chaat or Kambakkht Ishq but as a solo artist, Nindy is the one to watch star! She has such a unique talent with her very own panache and creative punch. Like with every new track and album we release, there is always a desire that it will surpass the performance of the last.
7) Some of us many have seen the little advert of Real Desi Beats T-shirts around the internet, have you even started venturing into the business industry as well as the music industry?
Music is very much our core business and passion. Real Desi Beats is an extension of Brand RDB and part of our broader DNA in the cultural section – fashion, music and lifestyle.
8 ) How is it coming along?
The brand has been appreciated worldwide as the T-shirts reflect the mindsets and sensibilities of the Desi market. We are always receiving requests for new phrases and designs which is encouraging.
9) You’ll be coming to Pakistan to perform aren’t you? Are you looking forward to it?
We love performing in Pakistan; the support the love and the passion that we receive from our fans are amazing. The atmosphere in Pakistan is sensational and we are looking forward to our tour. For dates watch this space and keep an on our official Facebook Page.
10) Looking at sales figures, it does seem Pakistan loves you. I mean, your second album sold 50,000 units in Pakistan! Does that surprise you?
All we can say is that we are happy to know that all our fans in Pakistan love what we do and support our music.
11) You did a tour in Pakistan in 2010, are you expecting any changes since you performed here?
It was two years ago since we last performed in Pakistan and we can surely say it was an epic experience. We have a new showcase of songs and performances and also special surprises on the way this year!
12) Have you got anything new you’ll be brining to the table in Pakistan that fans should be aware of?
We love to try out new things and surely this year’s concert will be the one to remember.
13) There’s a lot of speculation going around that there’s a Pakistani group posing as RDB and doing gigs and concerts, how do you feel about it?
We are not too happy about this situation as we are the original group and of course it’s a shame to know that our name and brand is being abused. Sahara is a group from the UK (Doncaster) which RDB have worked with in the past, but seen by the Pakistan crowds as RDB which is obviously false. So called agents in Pakistan, people like Hassan Malik (Islamabad) have cheated promoters and the public into booking RDB for them but then bringing across Sahara at a cheap rates and pocketing the money. Sahara don’t even perform RDB‘s tracks! The only way to tackle this problem is for the music lovers (i.e. the fans) to check on artist websites and Facebooks on confirmation of the shows. And for promoters to contact artist directly as they do in the UK. Pakistan fans have every right to see the real RDB.
14) What do you think should be done to stop the group? Can more people be aware?
Definitely more people can be made aware of this situation, through radios, social networks or even just word of mouth. At the end of the day people have purchased to see a fake group pretending to be us which is a shame, as they would miss out on the real genuine performers
15) Hopefully, citizens and music-fans will be on alert now that you’ve helped raise awareness of it. So what can we expect from RDB in the coming months?
2012 has a lot in store for us. More Bollywood films, more mainstream collaborations, so do keep an eye out.
Thanks very much for the interview.
